Child Protection Policy Statement

Junior Achievement is fully committed to the care, support and welfare of each child and young person participating in our programmes and events. We implement best practice in all areas of our child protection policy, adhering to Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children, the guidelines produced by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Junior Achievement Ireland's Child Protection Policy and associated practices are reviewed annually and amended as necessary in keeping with current legislation. Staff training on Child Protection is conducted at regular intervals and staff are advised of legislative or other changes, which imapct on practice.

Junior Achievement Ireland ensures:

best practice in the recruitment of staff and volunteers, which includes Garda vetting, researching references, good HR practices in interviewing, induction, training, probation and ongoing supervision and management

that staff members and volunteers are aware of how to recognise signs of child abuse or neglect

that guidance, procedures and support are provided for staff and volunteers, who may have reasonable grounds for concern about the safety and welfare of children involved with the organisation

Helen Raftery (CEO) is the organisation's designated Child Protection Officer. She liaises with outside agencies and is the resource person for any staff member or volunteer who has child protection concerns. She is responsible for reporting allegations or suspicions of child abuse to the HSE Children and Family Services or to An Garda Síochána.

Photography and Publicity Policy

Photographs of children participating in Junior Achievement activities and events are taken solely with the written consent of their parent(s)/guardian(s) which is obtained through their Class Teacher and JA's photography permission forms.

Photographs are used for feedback reports to the supporting organisation and the volunteer, for local or national press, for social media purposes or for use on the JA website.

Junior Achievement Ireland prioritises the safety and care of every child, young person and volunteer who comes in contact with the organisation. Please contact Helen Raftery at hraftery@jai.ie to discuss any aspect of our Child Protection Policy.

People working with children and the wider public should know that early action by them is very often the best way to protect children and to enable a family to stay together.

Good practice at the front line is based on clear principles including, inter alia:

The welfare and safety of children is a central focus of all decision-making/ planning etc.

Use the minimum necessary intervention, in a timely way, to keep children safe

Agencies working together to help children reach their full potential

Agencies working together to provide safer and more effective services

The State and civil society working together to promote children's welfare